Members of Goats R Us round up the goats to be used for vegetation management in various communities. Goats were provided to Benicia this week and will be utilized through the spring. (Photo courtesy of Kate Gibbs)

Goats, aka nature’s lawn mowers, returned to Benicia this week as part of the city’s vegetation management program.
These horned grass eaters began noshing their way through the city’s landscapes on Wednesday and are trimming vegetation along property lines bordering open space. Their owners, the Orinda-based company Goats R Us, are responsible for herding the flock of goats.
“It is expected that the goat herder will conduct all operations in a responsible, professional and environmentally conscious manner,” city officials said in a press release. “The herder is accountable for containment of livestock on the premise at all times. Goats R Us has several breeds of goats selectively bred for grazing. The goats will be used as long as needed.”
Disking, an act of disrupting current vegetation and soil for the maintenance of firebreaks, fire trails and fire access roads, is another component of the city’s vegetation management program. It will take place in the city’s open space areas and will begin in mid to late May until the end of June.
Citizens interested in how the vegetation management program is going can view the detailed status report that was presented to the Benicia City Council on April 26, 2016.

Sharing is caring!